This week's outpouring of support for a Warrnambool family to avoid deportation to Singapore has been overwhelming. Raj Manikam, his wife Premawathy Balasupramariam and their children Vanisre, 18, and Vela, 8, have captured the hearts of the south-west and beyond after it was revealed Mr Manikam's application for permanent residency was rejected on medical grounds. That means the family can be deported later this month. But Vanisre, a school captain at Brauer College, who dreams of becoming a doctor, started an online petition that has attracted more than 40,000 signatures. Some Warrnambool city councillors and Wannon MP Dan Tehan are in their corner. Mr Tehan has asked Immigration Minister David Coleman to intervene. Mr Manikam, who works in aged care and his wife, who works at Warrnambool's Florence Collins childcare centre, are regarded as hard workers and contribute to the community. Vanisre is a driven, inspiring student, who dreams of repaying her adopted country in spades as a doctor. The family's standing in the community and value to the country cannot be disputed. The crux of the matter is Mr Manikam's kidney disease. The impact of any treatment on Australia's public health system is the reason his application was rejected. The federal government's rules are clear. A person seeking permanent residency must undergo a health check to ensure Australian citizens and permanent residents can access health and community services that are in short supply. A candidate must be free from a disease or condition that will have a "significant healthcare and community service cost to the Australian community". But Mr Manikam has vowed to not seek a kidney transplant or be treated at a cost to taxpayers. Mr Manikam's legally-binding commitment should end the argument there. The support from south-west Victorians and fellow Australians shows our compassion for others. What's needed now is for Mr Coleman and his department to do the same and make the right decision. Let them stay.

Editorial: Warrnambool family's residency bid should be supported

Raj Manikam and Premawathy Balasupramariam are concerned they may be forced to return to Singapore with their children Vanisre, 18, and Vela, 8. Picture: Morgan Hancock

This week's outpouring of support for a Warrnambool family to avoid deportation to Singapore has been overwhelming.

Raj Manikam, his wife Premawathy Balasupramariam and their children Vanisre, 18, and Vela, 8, have captured the hearts of the south-west and beyond after it was revealed Mr Manikam's application for permanent residency was rejected on medical grounds.

That means the family can be deported later this month.

But Vanisre, a school captain at Brauer College, who dreams of becoming a doctor, started an online petition that has attracted more than 40,000 signatures.

Some Warrnambool city councillors and Wannon MP Dan Tehan are in their corner. Mr Tehan has asked Immigration Minister David Coleman to intervene.

Mr Manikam, who works in aged care and his wife, who works at Warrnambool's Florence Collins childcare centre, are regarded as hard workers and contribute to the community. Vanisre is a driven, inspiring student, who dreams of repaying her adopted country in spades as a doctor.

The family's standing in the community and value to the country cannot be disputed.

The crux of the matter is Mr Manikam's kidney disease. The impact of any treatment on Australia's public health system is the reason his application was rejected.

The federal government's rules are clear. A person seeking permanent residency must undergo a health check to ensure Australian citizens and permanent residents can access health and community services that are in short supply.

A candidate must be free from a disease or condition that will have a "significant healthcare and community service cost to the Australian community".

But Mr Manikam has vowed to not seek a kidney transplant or be treated at a cost to taxpayers.

Mr Manikam's legally-binding commitment should end the argument there.

The support from south-west Victorians and fellow Australians shows our compassion for others. What's needed now is for Mr Coleman and his department to do the same and make the right decision. Let them stay.